Sultan Abubakar: holiday declared for new Islamic Year

Several states in northern Nigeria have declared today, Wednesday  as  work free day in commemoration  of a new Islamic Year.

Jigawa, Kano, Zamfara  governments announced the holiday Tuesday.

A statement signed by Jigawa  Acting Head of Civil Service, Alhaji Na’Annabi Ahmed, said the  day marked the first month (Muharram) of the Islamic calendar, the new Islamic year 1437 after the hijra of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) from Makka to Madina.

Gov. Abdulaziz Yari of Zamfara  appealed to Nigerians, particularly Muslims, to offer special prayers for unity and peaceful co-existence among the different segments of the Nigerian people.

The governor said “as the religion that is built on peace, it is mandatory for all Muslims to continue to preach the virtues of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) by being good to all.’’

While congratulating the Muslim community for witnessing another Islamic year beginning on Oct. 14, Yari urged all terror groups and criminal groups to lay down their arms and join well-meaning Nigerians for national growth.

Kano also announced a holiday to mark the New Year.

Notice of the holiday was contained in a statement issued by Alhaji Baba Dantiye, the Director-General, Media and Communications to Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje, made available to newsmen in Kano on Tuesday.

Dantiye quoted Gov. Ganduje as congratulating the people of the state and Muslims the world over, for witnessing the new year.